Negotiations with the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) are set to proceed following the establishment of key conditions, according to the workers’ commission coordinator. The decision was communicated to the new board chaired by Luís Mendes Cabral, shortly after an Independent Technical Commission (CTI) submitted its report on INEM’s restructuring to the Health Ministry.
Rui Gonçalves stated that workers will not accept any job cuts or enforced mobility and emphasized maintaining public service employment contracts and associated benefits as another key condition. Workers also demand that pre-hospital emergency technicians retain their current medical operation protocols and training hours.
He stressed the importance of public awareness about the commitment of INEM staff to prioritizing citizen welfare, suggesting that system improvements should align with both worker and citizen interests. Rui Gonçalves criticized the CTI report, describing it as weak and addressing longstanding issues without clear solutions.
The report identifies structural issues within the emergency pre-hospital service, including leadership and audit deficiencies and declining performance metrics like response times and missed calls. It suggests reallocating helicopter emergency services, medical emergency vehicles, and immediate life support to local health units for better resource sharing and career benefits while contracting basic life support services externally.
Despite concerns raised by the CTI report, negotiations are set to continue, with the workers’ commission planning frequent meetings with INEM leadership to discuss potential reorganizational changes. Gonçalves acknowledged worker anxiety but emphasized their dedication to contributing effectively to the process, provided they are involved in decision-making.
The government’s proposed restructuring of INEM, scheduled for completion by January 2026, involves significant organizational and structural changes under the Health Ministry’s directive.
